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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

A Year Later

One year ago today I started my new job. One year ago I walked away from something I loved, something I was really good at and took a great deal of pride in, to take a chance on something I thought might be better in the long run. And almost immediately I began to question that decision. I don't talk about work on here often, mainly because I learned my lesson at my last job after having Bio Girl come up in an annual evaluation (not my favorite memory of that job!) but this new job definitely has had it's ups and downs. But now, one year in, I can say I have learned so so much, and I am so happy to have made this change.

I have learned that respect isn't given when you walk in the door, and neither are friendships. I knew that, but it had been forgotten in five years I had spent in one place. It isn't easy to start something new, but sometimes change in the long run is completely worth it. I have learned that not all jobs take over your life, that sometimes a job can just be a job. And even if it is busy or stressful, you can easily close the door on it and go home to your family. Sometimes a job is set up to be done in a reasonable amount of time. No overtime, no weekends, no phone calls saying "Just a little longer..." or "it's going to be late...". Just four days a week, and that's it. I have actually been told twice to not take this job home with me. Don't stay late. Don't worry about it over the weekends. That's what work time is for. It is different, but absolutely the very best kind of different.

It is a different world here, and over a year I have began to love this world. I have made amazing friends. Ones that I will continue to be friends with forever. I talk easily and laugh often with the people around me. After a year, I feel at home. I am working on my Masters Degree for free, something that there never would have been time for at my last job. I am once again proud of the work I do. Proud to be a part of something that I feel is important. But mainly, I am so thankful that this job has brought me time. Time to be free from worry and overtime. Free to spend with the ones I love. Because when it comes down to it, that is priceless, and it's why I made the change.

I love hearing that! I'm so glad to see you so happy - it is obvious in your words. It is so hard to not take a job home with you - you are fortunate to be encouraged not to. What a blessing. Thinking of you.